Banking Conclave 2007: Globalisation and Financial Inclusion: New Age Indian Banking
June 15 - August 15, 2007

June & July Session: June 15-July 30, 2007-The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Banking Conclave is a major flagship programme of FICCI-Eastern Regional Council which started, at the initiative of Chairman, FICCI-Eastern Regional Council, since its inception in 2004 where chairmen and managing directors of leading banks addressed its members in exclusive sessions on the theme 'Globalisation and Financial Inclusion: New Age Indian Banking'.

The objective of the conclave is to deliberate on the prospects of growth of Indian Banking Sector through financial inclusion in this globalization era.
Highlighted below are the views expressed by the Speakers on the theme:

Mr. C.K. Dhanuka stated that an important challenge facing the banking system in this globalization era was to extend financial services to all sections of the society. Financial Inclusion was essential not only because of its implications for the welfare of citizens, but it had to be an explicit strategy for fostering faster economic growth in a more inclusive fashion.

Mr. P.K. Gupta, CMD, United Bank of India - (June 15, 2007), suggested that in order to achieve financial inclusion, a holistic approach was required by the banks which would include creating awareness about financial products, education and advice on money management and debt counseling.

Mr. S. Sridhar , CMD, National Housing Bank - (June 26, 2007) - stated that in order to provide 'affordable housing for all' National Housing Bank (NHB) was aiming to develop a market based housing finance system focusing on unserved and underserved segments.

Dr. Nachiket Mor, Deputy MD, ICICI Bank Ltd - (July 4, 2007) - in his address stressed on the need of franchisee arrangements with micro credit institutions for providing banking solution for the urban poor and rural masses, which in turn would deliver growth.

Mr. M.D. Mallya, CMD, Bank of Maharashtra - (July 6, 2007) - said that Globalisation through its direct impact on growth had played an instrumental role to reduce the levels of poverty in developing countries which acted as a direct indicator of financial inclusion. However, the extent to which the benefits of growth had percolated down to the masses was a debatable issue.

Dr. K.C. Chakrabarty, CMD, Punjab National Bank - (July 6, 2007) mentioned that Globalisation and Financial Inclusion were interdependent. Globalisation had necessitated financial inclusion and it couldn't be sustained unless a movement was made towards inclusive growth. In order to reap the benefits of globalization, the poor needed to be empowered to break out of the vicious circle of poverty and live with dignity.

Mr. B. Sambamurthy, CMD, Corporation Bank - (July 10, 2007) in his address delineated the key drivers of new age Indian banking. The evolving demographic profile of the country and the paradigm shift in the lifestyle of Indian citizens were among the key determinants of the future course of Indian banking pointed out by Dr. Sambamurthy.

Mr. P.L. Gairola, CMD, Dena Bank - (July 13, 2007) - outlined the distinct roles of three pillars viz, State, Financial System and CBOs (Community Based Organisations)/NGOs in achieving social transformation towards financial inclusion. He also stressed that financial inclusion which would eventually lead to financial deepening which was the survival strategy of the banks.

Dr. Y.S.P. Thorat, Chairman, NABARD - (July 18, 2007) - laid down an Eight Point Agenda and also underscored the role of three pillars, viz, State, Financial System and CBOs (Community Based Organisations) /NGOs in the move towards financial inclusion.

Mr. T.C. Venkat Subramanian, CMD, Exim Bank of India - (July 30, 2007) - while outlining the various instruments through which Exim Bank of India is helping the country enhance its exports of products, projects and services , also highlighted the role that the Bank is playing in partnering India Inc's internationalization efforts.

The vote of thanks for all the sessions were proposed by FICCI Executive Committee Members or Presidents of Affiliate Chambers/ Associations of FICCI from the Eastern Region.

The sessions were well attended by over 100-190 participants comprising the members of FICCI Executive Committee, Affiliate Chambers/Associations, Bankers, Corporates, Exporters, Real Estate Developers, and Media representatives. The event received excellent media coverage in print media such as The Economic Times, The Financial Express, The Telegraph, Business Standard, Hindu Business Line as well as in the electronic media.